VIP Event - What to expect?

[Off the wall]

Well, let's wait and see. Gotta believe there will be some benefit to showing up in person. If not, my two mile drive to the store will be for naught.

[lomis]

Just got this link in my email:

http://shop.lego.com...lack-Friday-VIP

Apparently, they're doing everything online as well, which kind of nullifies the reason of going in-store...

Don't mind saying that irks me quite a bit.

But are the offers going to be the same?

I can't imagine that they wouldn't have something exclusive in the stores.

And on the plus side: you get your purchases right away if you go to the store.

[zux]

Just got this link in my email:

http://shop.lego.com...lack-Friday-VIP

Looks like US only.

[ShaydDeGrai]

Just got this link in my email:

http://shop.lego.com...lack-Friday-VIP

Apparently, they're doing everything online as well, which kind of nullifies the reason of going in-store...

Don't mind saying that irks me quite a bit.

I don't know. Something tells me that if TLG is going to the trouble of opening all of its stores an hour earlier (and having to pay its staff for the trouble) for an invite list of only 30 people per store, that there has to be _something_ going on in person that differences this event from an on-line event with a mass e-vite to everyone with a VIP card (assuming it was a mass email, but I every AFOL I've spoken to got one so it's clearly not as "exclusive" as the in-store invites.)

It could be something a simple as hedging their bets on new set sales as they've done with other "VIP exclusives" (i.e. a chance to buy a set that won't officially hit the shelves for general consumption for another two weeks) versus Cyber Monday deals ("buy set X on Nov 23rd and be the first to get it, or wait until Dec 2nd and get it on sale (possibly from someone else)") For example, the new Hobbit wave is due to roll out Dec 1st and I wouldn't put it past Amazon to make them a Cyber Monday deal on Dec 2nd, so if TLG wants to outsell Amazon (and keep a larger portion of the sales revenue) it would make sense to lock in buyers early.

Alternately, it could be exactly what it claims to be, essentially an early Cyber Monday for VIP members: get next week's Black Friday pricing (which, last year wasn't as good a deal as the one I got through the invite-only VIP event) tomorrow without the hassle of fighting your way to the mall. Perhaps they did a study that found that overcrowding at the store was costing them sales. I know on more than one occasion I've looked at Black Friday mob scenes at various vendors and decided the sale price wasn't worth the hassle and talked myself into deferring a purchase or just getting it through Amazon.

In any case, this is pure speculation on my part - I guess we'll all find out tomorrow.

[Off the wall]

Seems like there has to be more at the store than discounts on currently available product. Given the amount of stuff we've purchased in the past year, not much of an incentive to me if they discount stuff that I already own.

[Brandon Miller]

I got the email too.

[Galaxy Explorer]

Well at least they're doing something for all VIPs tomorrow. I'm hoping the Auto Transport will be available- it's featured on the December store calendar.

It was nice to hear how some of the store managers were extending invitations to people asking about them- unfortunately my store was not so generous. Kind of disappointing since they always recognize me when I come in to shop, and are eager to show me anything new in CITY, as that's my favorite theme.

[Off the wall]

From some of the comments, I think TLG is walking a fine line here between rewarding some VIPs and alienating others. I thank TLG for this Saturdays event, but I don't know how I'd feel if I was on the outside looking in and didn't have much of an idea as to the criteria used in extending invitations. Again, I am thankful to having been invited and don't want to 'look a gift horse in the mouth', so to speak.

Just brought this angle up for the sake of discussion.

[Galaxy Explorer]

Off the wall, I agree- I got an invite last year, much to my surprise. I was unaware they did this sort of event, and wasn't sure how I made the "list". I'd read here that spending was one factor, but never really confirmed, and seems more random than anything. Nevertheless I spent almost all of my LEGO budget this year exclusively at the LEGO Store. Now I'm not one who buys ten copies of sets at once, and I've never had to use a roll out cart to haul my purchases around, but I still dropped $3000 this year on sets- all at one store (Water Tower Place). So needless to say I was disappointed not to receive an invite. Of course I will continue to support LEGO, and have no plans to cut back- there are wonderful new sets I just can't say no to. I will probably pay closer attention to Amazon and other retailers for sales and discounts, rather than picking up the new sets the day of release. I'll hit the LEGO Store during double point events- I'm getting close to getting a free SSD!

[AFOLguy1970]

I spent over $2000 on Lego this year, even more than on vacation. This was spread over Lego.com, the Dallas Lego Store, and one visit to Downtown Disney Lego store as well as the Denver Lego store. I would have liked the invite, but apparently some people in my area are even more obsessed than I am with Lego. At least my wife thinks I am obsessed. Wait until I tell her this still was not enough for an invite! Just like Galaxy Explorer, I too plan on continuing to spend a lot of money on Lego. There are a couple of MOCs to work on as well as the impressive modular line in addition to other things. Would have loved to be invited though. In the meantime, hopefully there will be a nice incentive to order online tomorrow.

[jaysapathy]

Did nobody read my post?

It has less to do with cost and more with your number of transactions. If you want a guaranteed invite next year, buy your stuff in smaller increments :P

A quick phone call is telling me that the same deals are going to be available online as well as in store tomorrow. The only incentive I have to go now is to shop when it's less crowded, get a free key chain, and a PAB box. Fortunately, the free box makes it worth it. :D

Still that rumor about triple points though, so we'll see...

[Off the wall]

Did nobody read my post?

It has less to do with cost and more with your number of transactions. If you want a guaranteed invite next year, buy your stuff in smaller increments :P

We read it and appreciate your thoughts. However, your post is not the definitive answer. From what I'm reading, different stores have some flexibility on who's in and who isn't. My approximately $1700 was from about six trips. Plus, I had a store manager ( not mine) say it wasn't based 'mostly' on number of transactions. I can't believe that six visits is what got me in.

Btw, I've been in the store once in the last six months...to buy the new Sydney Opera House

Edited November 22, 2013 by Off the wall

[4everLego]

Well, let's wait and see. Gotta believe there will be some benefit to showing up in person. If not, my two mile drive to the store will be for naught.

For naught or not your lucky! The closest store to me is 120 miles!

[tomdobs55]

@ ShaydDeGrai, Burlington, Peabody, Braintree, or Natick?

[Galaxy Explorer]

If they use number of transactions as criteria then where is my invite? I visit my local store at the bare minimum once a month, and that's probably twice a year. So that's a minimum of twelve visits a year. Add on to that SAH orders, which I do at the store if they don't have what I want in stock. At this point I'd believe they draw names out of a hat!

[ShaydDeGrai]

@ ShaydDeGrai, Burlington, Peabody, Braintree, or Natick?

Burlington, I've been going there since they first opened - I've shopped at the other stores when I've been in the areas, but the VIP system is smart enough to figure out where I typically shop.

I asked about the formula they use for the invites and was told it was "largely" based on money spent and that they get a list of top spenders, but that sometimes you can spend _too_ much and the system thinks you're a profiteer (buying sets for resale) rather than a straight AFOL. Apparently sometimes big spenders don't get invited because they tripped one of the flags the system looks for (massive one time purchases rather than a steady buying pattern, buying multiples of the same kit (particularly high end kits), etc.) Originally I didn't get an invite this year (despite spending more on Lego than I did on various luxury items - like lunch - last year and when I asked about it, my contact said it was probably something flagged in the computer and she'd take care of it. A few days later, I got an invite and a confirmation that I was "on the list". As you might have guessed, I really like the staff at the Burlington store.

[badbob001]

I'm in the US and when I view the checkout, I see that it's now triple VIP points earned. Hmm, I think I may rather have 10% instead.

[BrickG]

Yeah this event sucks unless you want exclusives. Triple VIP points aren't equal to Amazon savings. The free set at $100 isn't very impressive (though I do want that loading thingy).

I was expecting... actual sales? Tons of Black Friday sales with stuff like 50% off Lego and Lego.com just can't compare.

[tomdobs55]

Burlington, I've been going there since they first opened - I've shopped at the other stores when I've been in the areas, but the VIP system is smart enough to figure out where I typically shop.

I asked about the formula they use for the invites and was told it was "largely" based on money spent and that they get a list of top spenders, but that sometimes you can spend _too_ much and the system thinks you're a profiteer (buying sets for resale) rather than a straight AFOL. Apparently sometimes big spenders don't get invited because they tripped one of the flags the system looks for (massive one time purchases rather than a steady buying pattern, buying multiples of the same kit (particularly high end kits), etc.) Originally I didn't get an invite this year (despite spending more on Lego than I did on various luxury items - like lunch - last year and when I asked about it, my contact said it was probably something flagged in the computer and she'd take care of it. A few days later, I got an invite and a confirmation that I was "on the list". As you might have guessed, I really like the staff at the Burlington store.

They are really good there, it's the only one I actually enjoy going to

[Paperballpark]

Uk here. We only got the brick friday discounts, first pick of a few reduced sets, and a free wristband and poster. No free pab box just for turning up, and no triple vip points either.

oh well.

[Faefrost]

I spent over $2000 on Lego this year, even more than on vacation. This was spread over Lego.com, the Dallas Lego Store, and one visit to Downtown Disney Lego store as well as the Denver Lego store. I would have liked the invite, but apparently some people in my area are even more obsessed than I am with Lego. At least my wife thinks I am obsessed. Wait until I tell her this still was not enough for an invite! Just like Galaxy Explorer, I too plan on continuing to spend a lot of money on Lego. There are a couple of MOCs to work on as well as the impressive modular line in addition to other things. Would have loved to be invited though. In the meantime, hopefully there will be a nice incentive to order online tomorrow.

How far are you from a Lego store? This sort of thing seems to have a certain radius around the store or just local zip codes.

[Robianco]

I've just got back in from our event too.... PAB box for purchases over £25, 40083 Winter Truck, poster and wristband... 10% off with orders over £100 so I decided to get the Haunted House to make getting up early worth it!

The person I took was looking to get some Chima stuff for his son... fortunately he didn't get the larger items as they weren't reduced and lucky for him as another toy store has 35% off them today anyway.... they also have the Attack of the Wargs for half price so I'll head up there to pick one of those up!

[Off the wall]

I've just got back in from our event too.... PAB box for purchases over £25, 40083 Winter Truck, poster and wristband... 10% off with orders over £100 so I decided to get the Haunted House to make getting up early worth it!

My dog got me up early. Thanks for the early report. It's not enough to keep me from going back to bed and then doing other things. I can't endure the mall experience unless there is more to be had for doing so. So, I'll pass on this event.

Besides, the timing makes it conflict with the Everton-Liverpool match. Might miss Suarez bite someone.

Edited November 23, 2013 by Off the wall

[Legogal]

Off the wall, your comments are well written and fun to read. Apply to me as well except that being a woman, I eyed the other sex....

Shay, I like your description of the service at your store! Concierge LEGO shopping makes me smile. And it is a helluva lot cheaper than Neiman Marcus or Sachs!

I will be at the Raleigh store at 8.30 (80 min from now) w a folding chair and blue frame glasses if someone wants to email me and be my guest. My family is sleeping in after a big night out. Never been to one of these so it should be fun.

I do stop by this store more than once a month and like the staff and seeing what is new in person. The invitation process sounds quite random to me, so there is no reason to be pissed off about it. They can't invite everyone every year. Glad they have it period.

Not many sets I need at this point as I rarely buy multiples due to lack of space but I am excited about modulars like the new cafe and Creator houses. Cheers!

[Infernum]

Heading out to the Alpharetta store!